Graphic novels
What is a graphic novel?
A graphic novel is a type of text combining words and images—essentially a comic, although the term most commonly refers to a complete story presented as a book rather than a periodical.
Most graphic novels have a beginning, a middle and an end with characters that develop over time. A graphic novel can be fiction or non-fiction, or what has become a growing popular trend with graphic novels, a memoir.
Why read graphic novels?
Did you know graphic novels have many benefits for literacy. They are one of the best solutions to encourage reluctant and struggling readers into the world of reading, as they are known for being engaging and feature age-appropriate reading materials. They cater for diversity and feature multiple literacies including written language, visuals, body and facial language, spatial layout and symbolic visuals. The more image-based aesthetic of the graphic novel can make it a less intimidating read for reluctant, beginner or English as a second language readers.
A struggling reader will benefit from the image association to help decode the narrative and the lesser amount of written text. The advanced reader will benefit from the complex relationships between composition, layout, panels and the concise writing needed in graphic novels.
The Library has created a resource guide for Graphic novels which includes information for students, teachers and parents.
To find the resource guide go to the Library homepage:
https://library.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au/
Click on the Your Next Great Read button, then click on the Graphic Novels tab.
The Library has a growing collection of Graphic novels which are available for students to borrow. Come in to the Library and one of the friendly Library staff will help you find one.
The College Library